Christmas gifting is my sport. I take it seriously, and if I don’t hear gasps, shrieks, or delighted silence upon unwrapping, I have failed. This year, I delivered some absolute winners—some expected, some delightfully bizarre, and one that led to a conversation I was not prepared to have with a four-year-old. Let’s get into it.
Matching Tutus for My Niece and Her Favorite Squishmallow
If you have ever met a little girl, you know they are connoisseurs of all things twirly. But the real magic was Muffin getting her own tutu, turning an already-beloved stuffed friend into a full-on fashion icon. My niece immediately put hers on and spent the entire day spinning in circles while dramatically stating, “I NEED A TUTU.” Mission accomplished.
Matching Tutu for Kids | Muffin the Squishmallow | Tutu for Muffin
A Silent Basketball for a Teenaged Athlete
A genius piece of innovation—a silent basketball that lets teens practice dribbling without the incessant thud-thud-thud of doom.
Why It Was a Hit: Because I love my family. And my eardrums. The sound of a regular basketball bouncing indoors is enough to make even the most patient adult consider relocating to the woods. This ball lets them practice at home without summoning the headache gods. A win-win.
Silent Basketball
Hearing Protection/Headphones for My Dad Who “Doesn’t Need Anything”
High-quality protective hearing headphones designed for outdoor work, so my dad can listen to music while cutting his field.
Why It Was a Hit: Because my dad never needs or wants anything. He still has sweaters we bought him ten years ago unworn because “this one is still good.” Now, instead of just the hum of the mower, he’s got tunes to keep him company—whether he’ll admit it’s an upgrade or not.
Hearing Protection Headphones
The Barbie That Sparked an Unexpected Biology Lesson
The Gift: A Barbie doll that comes with three surprise newborn puppies—because Barbie apparently moonlights as a midwife now.
Why It Was a Hit: Well, initially, it was all fun and games until the kids started arguing about whether the puppies came out of Barbie’s butt or if she had to have surgery to get them out. Despite the unintended anatomy discussion, she loved it and immediately put Barbie to work delivering more babies than a maternity ward on a full moon.
Barbie Newborn Pups Playset
A Book About Cryptids for an 8-Year-Old Determined to Find One
A deep-dive book about Cryptids, for my nephew who knows (not thinks, knows) that Sasquatch is out there.
Why It Was a Hit: Because kids love a good mystery, and my nephew is convinced he’s going to be the one to prove Bigfoot’s existence. This book is now his holy grail, and I fully expect him to launch a research expedition into the backyard come spring.
Bigfoot Book
The Ultimate SIL Swiftie Gift
In That Lavender Haze long sleeve Taylor Swift t-shirt for my sister-in-law, who clowns for Reputation as hard as I do.
Why It Was a Hit: Because if there’s one thing a Swiftie loves, it’s a good piece of merch—especially when it’s a nod to their favorite era. Now she can channel her inner mastermind in peak cozy fashion.
Taylor Swift In That Lavender Haze Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Gifting is an art, and this year’s masterpieces were a mix of practical, fun, and outright ridiculous. If you’re still hunting for a great present, steal these ideas—just be prepared for unexpected biology discussions and the potential discovery of mythical creatures in your backyard.
